When it comes to great food in Maine, people often think of Portland. And in-the-know foodies will also name Rockland as another great culinary scene. But, the reality is that all of Maine is full of wonderful food options — you just need to know where to look. With food, it’s always a good idea to get our of your comfort zone, and that’s exactly what you’ll do at The Lost Kitchen. This secret restaurant in Maine not only dishes up delicious, farm-to-table fare, but it also offers a charming dining experience you simply can’t get anywhere else.

Editor’s note: While The Lost Kitchen is a seasonal restaurant, it’s currently closed to dining. However, they’re still hosting a variety of events, including virtual classes and an online marketplace for wares. You can also purchase The Lost Kitchen Cookbook to recreate some of their most beloved dishes at home.

 

The story of The Lost Kitchen is a triumphant one.
Mark Plummer / Flickr
The owner, Erin French, is a Freedom native who eventually made her way to California and into medical school. After the arrival of her son, she came back to Maine. After some work in catering and baking, she started her own underground supper club out of her home in Belfast. The dinners were wildly popular, almost always selling out to an enthusiastic and thankful crowd. Not long down the road, she turned the operation into a restaurant in the same building that played host to the supper club dinners.
But, life has a funny way of muddling up even the best plans.
The Lost Kitchen / Facebook
A prickly divorce led to the loss of her home and restaurant. Ultimately, with the help and support of friends and family she purchased an Airstream to begin again.
After heading back to Freedom, the dinners she loved planning continued.
The Lost Kitchen / Facebook
Only this time, the dinners were held in various places such as farms and outdoor areas.
As her passion and success grew, she took the next step.
The Lost Kitchen / Facebook
The purchase of the local grist mill meant the opening of the newest iteration of The Lost Kitchen.
Erin French is completely self-taught.
The Lost Kitchen / Facebook
Using recipes passed down from her family, she's improved upon them to make them uniquely her own.
The kitchen is manned with those she considers friends, who share her love of locally sourced ingredients and beautifully prepared foods.
The Lost Kitchen / Facebook
Everything you'll find here is as fresh and uncomplicated as possible.
The Lost Kitchen / Facebook
But simple doesn't mean boring, and this food is truly a revelation.
The Lost Kitchen / Facebook
Inside you'll find the most beautiful setting.
The Lost Kitchen / Facebook
It's rustic and real, with a vintage touch.
If you're used to big-city living, Freedom and The Lost Kitchen will be a welcome departure.
The Lost Kitchen / Facebook
In fact, the town still holds onto laws that don't allow for the serving of alcohol. To ensure you still have a wine-filled meal, you can purchase bottles from the shop downstairs to be opened for your meal.
The crew manning the kitchen is hard working and the dedication comes through in each and every dish served.
The Lost Kitchen / Facebook
This truly is Maine cuisine at its best.
The Lost Kitchen / Facebook

For more information on this incredible secret restaurant in Maine, visit  The Lost Kitchen website and Facebook page.

And if you’re hungry for more (adventure and delicious food), definitely check out this Maine eatery that is literally located behind a secret wall. How cool, right?

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secret restaurant in Maine

Kim Magaraci | February 03, 2021

What are the most popular foods in Maine?

Everyone knows that in Maine, lobster is king. Our famous crustacean is the one food that everybody talks about! Did you know, though, that we're also pretty famous for the rest of our seafood, too? The northern Atlantic offers some of the best fishing waters in the world, and Mainers are quick to reel it all in. You'll frequently find clams, scallops, and mussels on the menu whenever you stop into a spot that serves Maine comfort food. Away from the coast, though, you'll find that Maine Potatoes are popular. In fact, potatoes are such a big deal here that you can even find potato donuts in Portland! No matter where you travel, chances are you'll find some whoopie pies on the menu too - they're our states' favorite dessert.

Where can I find the best lobster roll in Maine?

If you ask a dozen Mainers where to find the best lobster roll, you'll likely get a dozen answers. A few of our favorites, however, can be found at Harrasseeket Lunch and Lobster in South Freeport, The Red Barn in Augusta, and Eventide in Portland. Of course, we also love the famous McLoons Lobster Shack in South Thomaston. Did you know that you can order from McLoons no matter where you are in the country? They ship overnight, nationwide.

What are the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Maine?

Most of Maine's small, quiet towns are home to at least one restaurant that will blow you away, even if you consider yourself a picky foodie. Some of our favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Maine include The Eagle's Nest in Brewer (worth the drive from Bar Harbor!), Bob's Clam Hut in Kittery, and Grammy's Country Inn in Linneus. When you visit Grammy's, try to save room for one of their enormous and famous whoopie pies. They're the perfect dessert to wrap up your homestyle meal.

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